Throughout the Bible, God frequently chooses unlikely individuals and objects to accomplish His divine purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty and the principle that His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). This theme underscores the idea that God does not rely on human strength or wisdom but rather on His own power and glory.

Moses and the Staff

One of the most prominent examples is Moses, who was chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egypt despite his self-professed inadequacies. Moses himself questioned his ability to speak and lead (Exodus 4:10). Yet, God used Moses and his simple shepherd's staff to perform miracles, such as parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16) and bringing water from a rock (Exodus 17:5-6). The staff, an ordinary object, became a symbol of God's power when wielded in obedience.

Gideon and the 300 Men

Gideon is another example of an unlikely instrument. Initially, he was a fearful man, threshing wheat in a winepress to hide from the Midianites (Judges 6:11). Despite his doubts and low status, God called him a "mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12) and used him to deliver Israel with just 300 men, armed with trumpets and torches (Judges 7:7, 16-22). This victory highlighted that it was not by human might but by God's intervention that Israel was saved.

David and Goliath

David, the youngest son of Jesse and a shepherd boy, was chosen by God to defeat the Philistine giant Goliath. Armed only with a sling and five smooth stones, David declared, "The battle is the LORD’s" (1 Samuel 17:47). His victory over Goliath was a testament to God's power working through those whom the world might overlook.

Rahab the Prostitute

Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho, played a crucial role in the Israelite conquest of the city. Despite her background, she recognized the power of the God of Israel and hid the spies sent by Joshua (Joshua 2:1-4). Her faith and actions led to her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5), demonstrating God's ability to redeem and use anyone for His purposes.

The Donkey of Balaam

In Numbers 22, God used a donkey to speak to the prophet Balaam. When Balaam was on his way to curse Israel, the donkey saw the angel of the LORD and refused to proceed. God opened the donkey's mouth to speak to Balaam, revealing the angel's presence and preventing Balaam from making a grave mistake (Numbers 22:28-33). This incident illustrates that God can use even animals to convey His message and accomplish His will.

The Widow of Zarephath

During a severe famine, God sent the prophet Elijah to a widow in Zarephath, a Gentile region. Despite her dire circumstances, she obeyed Elijah's request to make him a small cake with her last bit of flour and oil. God miraculously provided for her, her son, and Elijah throughout the famine (1 Kings 17:8-16). This account highlights God's provision through those who seem least able to help.

The Twelve Apostles

Jesus chose twelve ordinary men, many of whom were fishermen, to be His apostles. These men were not scholars or religious leaders, yet they were entrusted with spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Their transformation and the impact of their ministry underscore the power of God working through humble and unassuming individuals.

Conclusion

These examples from Scripture reveal a consistent pattern of God using unlikely instruments to fulfill His purposes. This divine strategy serves to magnify God's power and glory, ensuring that the credit for the accomplishments belongs to Him alone.